The Double

"Zhili, he is..." "He is your child," said Yin Zhan gently, "For all these years, I have taught him well; he is outstanding, although he is a bit too soft-hearted. This is a disadvantage," a hint of vexation appeared on his face, "For the things he has to do in the future, this soft-heartedness is an obstacle."

"Why are you telling me this," the Empress Dowager sneered, "Even if he is my... child, he must remain out of sight. Since you have remarried, you should just live out your days in peace."

"So this is why you are angry with me," Yin Zhan smiled as if pleasantly surprised. If any member of the Yin family, Madam Yin, or Yan Ze from her side saw this expression of his, they would be greatly shocked. He was determined and rugged, free-spirited and unbridled, but never tender. It turns out he reserved all his tenderness for the person before him.

"The Late Emperor distrusted me, and I had to marry—not only for myself but also for you and Zhili," Yin Zhan said, "After Zhiqing was born, the Late Emperor’s doubts subsided. I have never touched her since, Roujia," he stared into the Empress Dowager’s eyes, "My heart never held another."

The Empress Dowager turned away, trying to avoid his gaze, but as she did, she bumped into a nearby bronze mirror. The woman in the bronze mirror was no longer the lovely and charming figure of the past; years had gone by, and her features had gradually aged, her hair even sprouted a few white strands, she was no longer as young as before. Time spares no beauty in its ravages, and it is especially cruel to women compared to men. Yin Zhan had matured and grown more charismatic than before, and standing next to him, anyone would think they were ill-matched.

The palace had turned her into a stranger.

"I don’t want to hear any of this," the Empress Dowager said, "If you have come to reminisce, please leave. I made it very clear back then; I do not wish to see you again in this life. It seems you have not taken my words to heart."

"Back then, I was compelled by the situation. I planned for twenty years, all for today," Yin Zhan said, "Roujia, even now, you still have me in your heart, don’t you? Even if you could give me up, surely you cannot bear to let go of Zhili. You haven’t seen him for many years; he has always thought his birth mother was long dead. What if I reveal his identity to him..."